Academy players gearing up for three-day fundraising fitness challenge
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Wick Academy players are bracing themselves for a fundraising fitness challenge that could turn into a major test of endurance.
Over the course of three days next weekend they are committed to running, cycling or walking a set number of kilometres – depending on how much is pledged in advance on an online fundraising platform.
The more money that is raised, the greater the distance will be, with every £1 donated adding another kilometre to the overall target.
It could end up being a punishing few days for the players, but it will all be in a good cause with the proceeds being divided equally between Academy and a local charity of the club's choosing.
A GoFundMe page opened on Wednesday evening and will close at midnight next Thursday. "However much is in the pot, the squad will then have Friday, Saturday and Sunday [August 14-16] to cover that amount or more in kilometres," manager Gary Manson said.
If you want to see the players suffer, if you want to help out a local charity and if you want to raise some money for the club, then everyone's a winner.
"For example, if the page manages to raise £1000 then the squad will have to run, walk or cycle 1000km between them over the three days. This could prove extremely challenging for the boys should we raise a substantial amount.
"If they want to go for a run in the morning and then a cycle in the afternoon and a walk at night, it'll all count towards the total. We won't be meeting up and doing it all together, it'll just be in the players' own time.
"We're asking people to do whatever they can, and the money raised will be split 50/50 between the club and a charity.
"There's a three-way enticement – if you want to see the players suffer, if you want to help out a local charity and if you want to raise some money for the club, then everyone's a winner.
"Anything raised will be greatly appreciated by everyone at the club – with the exception of the players, maybe!"
The fundraising page is www.gofundme.com/f/wick-academy-charity-challenge and by yesterday there had already been £145 in donations.
Manson explained that the challenge is a way of raising much-needed funds for the club while also giving something back to the community "who have supported us through thick and thin".
He said: "I feel it's extremely important as a club that we try to help out local charities where and when we can. This challenge gives us the perfect opportunity to give a little back to the community who have been great supporters of the club over the years.
"It will also help the club financially after missing out on six home matches due to the postponement of football last season. The bonus is that it gives the players something to focus on and keeps them active."
He added: "Through the Donate a Ticket scheme the supporters have given us a lot of money already."
When all football in Scotland was suspended on March 13, Academy still had seven of their 2019/20 Highland League fixtures left to play – and all but one of those would have been at home, which meant a significant loss of income.
Meanwhile, Highland League clubs are still waiting to find out when the new campaign can get under way and what the format will be.
